Q&A Scene: Guitarists’ Special ~ Scott Darlow

Very excited to be playing at the Melbourne Guitar Show. We’ve been recording new music with Mark Lizotte (Diesel) producing, so it’ll be a great chance to bust out some of the new songs!

How long have you been playing guitar?

I started playing guitar at the age of 9. A teacher at primary school, Mr Page, gave free lessons in the library at lunchtimes once a week, and I jumped at it! Sloop John B was the first song we learned! Happy memories!

Why did you first start playing?

I was always in love with music. I grew up as a Salvation Army Officer’s kid, so getting dragged to a church service weekly where the brass band were front and centre was huge. I started playing Cornet at the age of 5, and that was it. I was hooked. So when Mr Page offered lessons, I pinched mums Maton and that was it!

Which guitarist most influenced your playing?

Early on, Mark Knopfler. The hours I spent trying to figure out his solos! From there, Lindsay Buckingham, and then getting older, getting to play with guys like Jack Jones and Mark Lizotte – they all have influenced me in different ways!

I spend time sitting quietly focusing on being super present in the moment. I like to remind myself that it’s such a huge privilege – being asked to do this thing I love so much, and that I’ve worked so hard for so long to have. So, I like to make sure I’m present in it all and really soak the joy of it in.

Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.

First time I got introduced to Mark Lizotte, I was totally overwhelmed. I loved him since I was a kid, and upon a mutual friend introducing us, (I’d had a few beers) I said “Diesel! I really fricken love you!” He took it well and was very gracious – and I interrupted his gracious response with “No. You don’t understand. I really fricken love you, Diesel!!” My wife and mate were mortified! Luckily, I don’t think Mark remembered it, and I have been fortunate enough to write songs with him, tour with him and now have him produce my new record!

What, or who, inspires you?

Any of the artists I get to know who seem to have a great work/life balance. So many people in this business get sucked into believing that their gift is who they are. And their occupation – of being a musician – defines them. I love when I get to hang out with someone who’s clearly an amazing artist, but the way they love their wife, make their kids their absolute priority, their strength of character and integrity are what they’re about! – those things are what stands out most about them. That’s who I want to be, so when you get to meet and hang with artists who have a handle on that, that’s inspiring.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

Brother in arms, Dire Straits.

How would you describe your sound in food form and why?

Rib eye on the bone. It’s meaty, full of iron, will leave you feeling super satisfied, and is real. Not fast food, not unhealthy.

What’s next for you?

Melbourne guitar show on August 4 and 5 at Caulfield Racecourse! Then the current album is being promoted to college and AAA radio all over the USA and Canada in a couple of weeks, so that’s exciting. Then recording more new songs, and then touring with Diesel, and then in January, playing Under the Southern Stars all over Australia with a bunch of killer bands!

What’s your scene?

My scene! Definitely Papa Gino’s in Lygon st for pasta and pizza. The Good Fortune Roast Duck House in Northbridge, Perth for Asian food, The Little Hunter in Adelaide for a steak! Yep. I love to eat!

Catch Scott at the Melbourne guitar show on August 4 and 5 at Caulfield Racecourse!

Australian Music Associationannounced the 2018 return of the Melbourne Guitar Show, set to rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5 – and this year, it’ll be bigger than ever.

Proudly presented by Triple Mand Australian Musician, the lineup boasts an impressive haul of both local and international artists, and featuring amongst the bunch is none other than UK guitar legend Albert Lee.

In addition to some killer performances from the artists on this massive lineup, #MGS2018 will also hold a monster exhibition that will feature a gigantic variety of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps and more state-of-the-art guitar technology, both home-grown and from around the world. It will continue to be Australia’s biggest guitar pop-up shop, and that’s not all. The Melbourne Guitar Show will host information seminars, demonstrations, and live performances from Australia’s most talented guitarists.

This year will be extra special as the Melbourne Guitar Show welcomes UK guitar legend Albert Lee. Lee’s work with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets is renowned within the music world and cemented his place as one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in history. Speaking on Lee’s talent, Eric Clapton enthuses, “(He is) the ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level,” while Emmylou Harris says, “(Albert Lee) is a brilliant guitar player…his sound is unmistakable, never qualled.” The British-born country-rock artist started his long and illustrious career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he played in bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. He has received countless accolades for his work, and has been named Guitar Player Magazine’s Best Country Guitarist five times in a row.

The first lineup announcement for #MGS2018 is a big one. Joining Albert Lee is Daniel Champagne, a prolific young guitar virtuoso with the world at his feet, and Jeff Lang, who has been described by Rolling Stone as “Australia’s best roots music artisan.” Melbourne Guitar Show favourites Nick Charles and Shannon Bourne will also be returning this year, alongside some seriously talented women Fiona Boyes, Alison Ferrier, Cat Canteri, Nat Allison and upcoming punk rockers Rackett. Not to mention a whole host of additional artists are set to be announced over the coming weeks.

Drawing over 5,500 guitar lovers and enthusiasts to last year’s exhibit, the Melbourne Guitar Show is growing year on year and is gearing up for the biggest event yet. The voice of the Australian music products industry, the Australian Music Association (AMA) will be teaming up with australianmusician.com.au and presenting sponsors Triple M, 3PBS and Aon to present this year’s guitar-centric weekend. At last year’s MGS, punters not only enjoyed scheduled performances and demos from the awesome artists on the lineup, but also witnessed surprise on-stand appearances from some of Australia’s finest artists, including Ian Moss, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Paul Dempsey, Oscar Dawson and Ali Barter. Both the promoters of the show and the exhibitors are constantly wrangling acts right up until the very last minute – and who will be joining the all-star jam this year? Come on down and find out!

Thrilled to present #MGS2018 once again, AMA executive officer and MGS organiser, Rob Walker says, “After an awesome show last year, we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition the show is creating. We’re very pleased to present Albert Lee on his 75th birthday tour, as well as the usual host of wonderful players we present.”

Not only will the 2018 MGS provide a hands-on chance to see, hear and play a broad range of the world’s favourite brands, it will also see exhibitors offering great show deals, plus an opportunity to get close to some hand-crafted, locally made instruments and epic guitar and gear collections. Describing the exciting developments, Rob continues, “Our exhibition welcomes back some big names this year and the learning opportunities are plentiful. If you’re in the market for guitars and gear, great live music from some of the best players. the Melbourne Guitar Show is the place to be.”

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Guy Pearce’s scene is quite different to what the singer-songwriter ever imagined. He states: “Well, these days it’s all about my little boy, Monte. He’s my scene. Temporarily living here in Queens Park, London while Carice shoots a new TV show, Monte and I spend many hours, playing with his train set, walking in the park, playing on the slides, going to art classes, eating scrambled eggs together at Minkies cafe, catching the # 52 double decker bus down Chamberlayne Rd and then when he’s asleep for 90 minutes in the middle of the day quickly trying to catch up on [...]